Lake Chalice Hut – Mt Richmond Forest Park (and aborted Mt Owen trip)

Prelude: We had all been really looking forward to our planned Mt Owen trip in Kahurangi National Park. However, it turned out that when we arrived on site, the water level flowing over the Dart River ford (which you need to cross to access the track to Mt Owen from the North) was too high, and … Read more

Mt Patriarch – Mt Richmond Forest Park

What a trip, what a weekend, what a day! We had a wonderfully smooth sail on the Interislander, and used the time to scour our maps and discuss where we would go! It’s a wonderful feeling to pour over topo maps and evaluate track options when possibilities abound!  So exciting! We had been informed by … Read more

Easies and Mediums on a Mystery trip to Kahurangi NP

On the way to John Reid Hut

I love a mystery and was intrigued when this tramp appeared on the schedule: Top of the South Mystery Tramp. Jump on the ferry and go on an adventure! Interesting rock formations, travel on the tops and along a river. Good snacks and optional river swims. Expect up to 6 hours walk every day. Track … Read more

Easter Weekend at Wangapeka and Tops

Day 3 - Mt Patriarch (Photo credit: Monique)

Thursday (3h20)After the customary ferry delays and many dolphins, we drove to Rolling junction via a kebab shop in Richmond, arriving at the road end at 8.30pm after crossing the Dart Ford without issues. With head torches, we walked at a good pace along the great wall grade track for a few hours. Arriving at Kings … Read more

Luna Loop

Ok, change of plans I thought.  Dragon’s Teeth is out of the question, a 11 hour round trip not counting the ferry, no way. But what else is there? Preferably in the Mt Owen area of Kahurangi? Looking at the topo I thought, well you could go from virtually the same place, up and over … Read more